Mildred’s Umbrella was incorporated in 2004, and has grown steadily since. The first few productions were original collaborations by University of Houston Professor, John Harvey, and the press was positive for the avant-garde work never before seen in Houston. Over the course of several years, Mildred's Umbrella has expanded to also staging Houston premieres of work from other playwrights and to searching out opportunities for creative collaborations with other local theater groups and artists. The company has produced 10 seasons of main stage plays, as well as performances in conjunction with lectures at University of Houston, Fringe Festival pieces,6 festival showcases of short originals (titled “Museum of Dysfunction”), performances at the Houston Center for Photography and a children’s after school workshop series at the Houston Public Library. The company has received numerous Houston Press ‘Best Of’ awards, including “Best Original Play,” “Best Theatre Company,” and “Best Theatre Company on a Shoestring Budget” and artistic director, Jennifer Decker, was nominated for “100 Creatives” and “Best Artistic Director” in 2012. Mildred’s has also received numerous positive reviews for their bold and original shows in The Houston Press, the Chronicle, Arts Houston, and three times in American Theater Magazine. Mildred’s Umbrella loves collaboration, and has worked with Bobbindoctrin Puppet Theatre, University of Houston Honors College, Houston Community College, The Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Houston Public Library to further enrich the city’s artistic scene through education and artistic growth. Mildred’s Umbrella now shares a permanent performance space, Studio 101, with Stark Naked Theatre, and is a proud member of the HAA Incubator graduating class of 2016.